Agent drops big Mascherano admission

Liverpool,
Latest news update: June 09, 2009 12:49 PM[[views]]

Javier Mascherano would relish the chance to leave Liverpool for European champions Barcelona, according to the midielder's agent.

The Argentinian international was linked with a £20million switch to the Nou Camp last week and, while Reds boss Rafa Benitez is desperate to keep one of his key players at Anfield, Mascherano's agent, Walter Tamer, has intimated that the player would relish the opportunity of playing in Spain.
"If a club like Barcelona want to bring you into their ranks after having completed such a brilliant season and having won everything, obviously as a player, you are going to say, 'Yes, I want to play there,'" he told RAC-1 programme 'Tu Diras'.
"It is an honour for Javier that a club like Barca pay such close attention to him, especially after the incredible season they had. I believe that a transfer would be feasible. If Barca really want him, he will sign for them.
"He would have a very easy job at Barca. Sometimes we talk and joke that the only thing he has to do is run, rob the ball, and pass it on to all the superstars in front of him."
Tamer feels the main obstacle which would prevent Mascherano from joining Barca is if Benitez reluctantly allowed Xabi Alonso to make the switch to Real Madrid beforehand.
He added: "What if Xabi Alonso also leaves? Surely, Rafael Benitez would not want to have both his central midfielders go. It will be difficult, although Xabi's future does not depend on Mascherano and vice-versa.
"The transaction would certainly happen, but the first to leave will have more options."